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Cristiano Ronaldo removed two soda bottles from the table in front of him at his pre-match Euro 2020 press conference on Monday before holding up a bottle of water to the room and declaring people should drink water instead.

Then, for dramatic effect, he rolled his eyes and said with borderline disgust, "Coca-Cola".

The brand is an official sponsor of the tournament, but clearly, Ronaldo is not a believer in the health downsides relative to water.

What happened

Portugal's Euro 2020 fixtures

Portugal begins their play in Group F on Tuesday against Hungary before facing Germany on Saturday and France next Wednesday.

Further reading

Spain set several possession records on Monday against Sweden although La Roja couldn't turn all of that possession into the goal needed to secure all three points.

Sweden were able to keep Spain at bay to earn a 0-0 draw on Monday as Luis Enrique's side settled for just one point on a disappointing day.

However, Spain toppled some of their own records against the Swedes, who were content to let Spain have their trademark possession for all 90 minutes.

Records broken

By the final whistle, Spain had amassed 85 per cent possession against a bunkered-in Sweden as La Roja were always in complete control.

That 85 per cent number makes Spain the first-ever team to hit that benchmark at the Euros side since Opta began collecting data in 1980.

Along the way, Spain completed 419 passes in the first half, the highest figure in the opening 45 minutes of a European Championship game.

They also completed 303 passes in the opposing half in the first half, the most by any team at the Euros, while Sweden made just 38 passes in the Spain half, the fewest by any team at the Euros.

When all was said and done, Spain ended up finishing with a record total of 917 passes.

With that, Spain broke their own Euros mark, which was coincidentally set nine years ago to the day.

On that day, Spain completed 859 passes against Ireland, with the legendary Xavi responsible for 136 of them.

Further reading

Matt Miazga is set to return to Chelsea after a loan spell at Anderlecht, with the Belgian giants priced out of an extension by the European champions.

The 25-year-old had expressed his desire to remain with Vincent Kompany's side after helping them earn a Europa Conference League place for next year.

However, an agreement couldn't be found to sign him and Chelsea will look to either extend Miazga's contract, which ends in the summer of 2022 and loan him out - or sell him to another club.

How does Miazga feel about the situation?

Indeed, Miazga has previously expressed a desire to remain at Lotto Park.

"I would like to be here, but such a decision depends on several parameters," Miazga told HLN in April.

On Chelsea's side, they are under pressure to sell some loanees due to future loan regulation changes by FIFA to limit clubs stockpiling talent.

Which other Chelsea loanees should we keep an eye on?

Similarly, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Davide Zappacosta, Michy Batshuayi and Ross Barkley are due to return from loans across Europe having not been sold to their temporary teams.

The Blues are expected to be open to selling them all and will also see Baba Rahman return from PAOK after they were unable to finance a permanent deal. He will likely seek a move to a top five European league after proving his fitness in Greece.

Fikayo Tomori is in advanced talks with AC Milan about making his loan move permanent. Although there's a £25 million ($35m) option to buy, there have been prolonged discussions about paying in installments.

Ike Ugbo, rated at £5 million, has a host of clubs trailing him including Watford, Fulham, Genk and Monaco but is in no rush to decide his future after a successful season on loan at Cercle Brugge.

Further reading

A lot still needs to be done to keep Nigerian football growing, according to Kano Pillars star Ahmed Musa.

The former Leicester City star disclosed this in the wake of the abandonment of the Nigeria Professional Football League encounter between Sai Masu Gida and Akwa United on Sunday.

Fans invaded the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in an attempt to beat the referee and his assistant after they ruled out a goal scored by Nwagua Nyiwa for Pillars in the closing stages of the top-of-the-table clash.

The pitch invasion prompted both teams to walk off the pitch as they sought safety in the dressing room.

Nevertheless, the game was concluded on Monday morning and it ended in a 0-0 draw.

In a post on social media, Musa expressed his displeasure over the ‘disheartening’ episode, while calling on all stakeholders to wake up to their responsibilities.

“It is disheartening to write this but unfortunately, it has to be said. In a bid to be patriotic or represent our home country, some of us decided to play for the league with pleasure,” he wrote on Instagram.

“In as much as I commend officials who handle games in the leagues across Nigeria, it is imperative to add that a lot still needs to be done to keep our football growing to the heights it deserves.

“There are a lot of areas that need to be worked on so that players can be at their optimal best and play football as it should be in accordance with the laws of the game where fair play is enshrined by all and sundry.

“It is time every stakeholder is involved and with pure intent, to keep raising the level of the game. That is the mindset and the vision I had when I decided to come back home and play.”

“Despite what I have seen, I am encouraged to believe that this is achievable if we put our minds to it,” he continued.

“There are a lot of players like me who want to come back home and play in the league and I am sure they are watching as everything unfolds with rapt attention.

“All I, and by extension other players want to do is play football and contribute our quota to the growth of the sport at home. If this is to be achieved, then the needful has to be done.

“I would like to state categorically that we are patriotic and will relish to come back and contribute our quota but the needful has to be done by all parties to improve the competency and fairness of the management of the game by those saddle with the responsibility to do so.

“The time for action is now. To the fans, I want to implore you to obey the law at all times especially in these dire times we are occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is my wish to play in front of the fans but we have to play within the laws that are set by the Nigeria Football Federation and the League Management Company.

“That is how you support your team. Please do not take the laws into your hands. Let us learn to obey the authorities.

“Stay at home and cheer your team all the time until when the authorities feel it is safe for you to return to the stadiums. Thank you.”

Kano Pillars – who are just one point behind leaders Akwa United – would be aiming to return to winning ways when they travel to Jigawa Golden Stars on June 20.

Slovakia boss Stefan Tarkovic was full of praise for his side after they neutralised Robert Lewandowski, with the Poland forward admitting he was left frustrated by his team's inability to pick up points against the "weakest opponent in the group".

Led by a goal from Milan Skriniar and an own goal from Wojciech Szczesny, Slovakia stunned 10-man Poland to put a severe dent in Lewandowski and co.'s knockout round hopes.

Lewandowski was limited to just 37 touches, fewest among outfield players, while failing to put a shot on target as Poland suffered defeat.

What was said?

"We managed to neutralise Lewandowski and score at the same time," Tarkovic said. "Lewandowski plays a decisive role in the last third of the field, it was important to keep him out of the box."

Added goalscorer and Man of the Match Skriniar: "He is one of the best, if not the best striker in the world. We prepared well for him and worked well as a team today."

Poland in trouble

Playing in a group that also includes Spain and Sweden, Slovakia were pegged by many to be the weakest side in Group E.

However, they did more than enough to trouble Lewandowski and Poland, who were also left deflated by Grzegorz Krychowiak's red card.

While they have two games to seal a spot in the knockout rounds, Lewandowski believes his team missed an opportunity.

"We lost to the theoretically weakest opponent in the group, which puts us in a difficult position," he told TVP. "But we will do everything in our hands to perform better in the next games."

Further reading

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer says his team doesn't feel like they are underdogs as they prepare to do battle with reigning world champions France.

Tuesday's group stage opener is a battle between the last two World Cup winners, with many seeing France, in particular, as a team favoured to win the Euros this summer.

But Neuer believes Germany are a team worth backing, too, as he believes Tuesday's game should be fairly even.

What did Neuer say?

"We know we owe the fans something after the last tournament [World Cup 2018]," he said at a press conference. "We try to carry them along and need all the support. The mood with us is very good. We have the will to beat France.

"We don't see us as the 'underdog'. France has an amazing team but we are ready to compete and play a good game. We're really looking forward to playing this match."

Goretzka could take part

One potential boost for Germany could be the involvement of Leon Goretzka, who was expected to miss out on the opening fixture.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has been dealing with a muscle injury since May but manager Joachim Low says Goretzka could, in fact, feature.

"Apart from Jonas Hofmann, all the players have been at training," Low said. "Leon too. Leon has done four or five sessions with the team. He made a very, very good impression.

"According to our medical department, there is no more risk. I will talk to Leon after the final training session. Of course, he won't be in the starting eleven.

"I will discuss with him and with the doctors. Then we'll see if he can be there - even for a longer period of time. At the moment, I can't fully judge."

Further reading

Former Real Madrid star Mutiu Adepoju claims a move to either Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain would be good for Portugal international, Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 36-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Juventus in recent months, with it suggested that the Bianconeri are ready to cash in on the prized asset before he becomes a free agent in 2022.

Juve officials are convinced that the Portuguese is exploring his options ahead of the summer transfer window with Old Trafford and Parc des Princes touted as potential destinations.

He weighed in with his opinion on where the five-time Ballon d'Or winner should continue his professional career.

“Well, I feel he can try any of the teams,” Adepoju told Goal.

“He was at Manchester United – where he started and all that before joining Real Madrid.

“In England, he did very well and if he decides to go there, it would be a known place for him and settling down would be very easy.

“And if he chooses Paris Saint-Germain, it's all good because they are one of the big teams in Europe. Honestly, whichever one he decides to go for is very fine for him.”

According to football fans, Ronaldo should consider retiring from the beautiful game when the ovation is still very loud, instead of thinking of a move to another club.

However, the LaLiga ambassador thinks otherwise. “I don’t think that is necessary as long as he feels good with himself and he feels strong.

“Although he is 36, he is a player who rarely gets injured and takes very good care of himself.

“So, if he wants to keep playing, I strongly believe that he has a lot to offer football.

“At least, we have seen [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic still playing at 39, so I don’t feel Ronaldo would have any problems if he chooses to keep playing.”

Ronaldo is expected to lead Os Navegadores’ charge at the Uefa European Championship where they would be hoping to defend their title won five years ago.

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has disclosed his former club might drop their reported interest in Andre Ayew if he demands high wages.

Earlier this month, Swansea City confirmed the Black Stars captain will leave the club at the end of his contract after their failed quest for promotion in the Championship play-off final.

Brentford pipped Steve Cooper's men to the last promotion slot to the Premier League with a 2-0 loss at Wembley Stadium in May.

Ayew returned to the Liberty Stadium for his second spell with the Swans in 2018 and he played a starring role in the team with his return of 33 goals in the last two Championship seasons.

The 31-year-old's next adventure remains unknown but he is said to be attracting interest from several European clubs including Celtic and Fenerbahce.

McAvennie who played for West Ham and Celtic before retiring in 1995, reviewed Ayew's career in England and he considers him as a good option for the Bhoys after they finished second behind Rangers in the Scottish top-flight.

The 61-year-old, however, expressed his concern over the Ghana star's financial demands which might affect the deal.

"He didn’t do too well at West Ham,” McAvennie told Football Insider. "He’s done better at Swansea when he plays upfront as part of a two. He did alright in the playoffs.

“He scored a great goal in the first leg. He’s getting on a bit though. Is he going to come in on those wages? 

“I’m not sure Celtic will sanction that if he’s demanding a high wage.

“It’s a name, he’s going to be free. I’m not really for or against it. If he comes, great. If he doesn’t, fine. We’ll get someone else.” 

Andre, elder brother of Crystal Palace forward Jordan Ayew, started his professional career in France and he played in Ligue 1 with Marseille and Lorient before switching to the Premier League in 2015.

He made a quick impact at Swansea City with 12 goals in 34 Premier League matches during his debut season. His goalscoring record earned him a move to West Ham where he struggled with nine goals in 43 games across two campaigns.

Ayew's return to the Liberty Stadium in January 2018 could not stop the Swans from dropping to the Championship and he sought top-flight action in the Turkish Super Lig where he played for Fenerbahce on a season-long loan in 2018-19.

Riyad Mahrez responded to a video of himself on holiday with Erling Haaland as the Manchester City star teased fans by saying "Agent Mahrez on duty".

Haaland has been linked with a number of the world's top clubs since making the move to Borussia Dortmund, where he has become one of the world's best forwards.

And Mahrez was quick to rile up fans on social media by hinting about Haaland's future before pointing out that he was, in fact, joking.

What did Mahrez say?

On Monday, a video emerged on social media showing Haaland and Mahrez enjoying themselves while on holiday, with both waving napkins above their heads as music played.

Haaland, whose father played for Manchester City, has been subject of transfer rumours for months, with Mahrez adding fuel to the fire by declaring himself as an agent on duty.

However, presumably to avoid any sorts of trouble for tampering with another club's player, Mahrez was quick to clarify that he was only joking, saying: "just having fun calm down."

Haaland's time with Dortmund

Since making the move to Germany after breaking through with RB Salzburg, Haaland has emerged as one of the most feared goalscorers in the sport.

He's scored 57 goals in 59 games since joining Dortmund, including 41 in 41 this season.

As a result, Haaland has been linked with a number of clubs, most notably Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Further reading

Uganda legend Denis Onyango believes it will not be easy for any foreigner to match his PSL titles.

The 36-year-old has so far won eight league titles; he managed to get three at SuperSport United before winning five at Mamelodi Sundowns. The veteran goalkeeper has set his sights on winning more before hanging his gloves.

"When I retire, it will remain that Denis [Onyango] is one of the most decorated foreigners with eight league titles," the former Cranes custodian said, as reported in the Citizen.

"No one is going to come from outside and win eight league titles because sometimes they play for two or three seasons then they go. But it is up to them, whoever comes must take me on because I want to reach 10 titles 

"I need to keep going, I have never heard anyone saying my medals are enough and that’s what drives me."  

Onyango has also expressed his feelings on sharing the record with his captain Hlompho Kekana.

"It is amazing to win my eighth league title and share that record with Kekana," Onyango continued.

"I saw him coming from Limpopo where he played for Black Leopards and I saw the way he was, he was an aspiring youngster and he became one of the biggest captains in Sundowns. These are the things that drive us because we are here to win. 

"Daine Klate was the one with the most titles and we managed to beat that, we got to seven, now to eight and we want to make it 10 with Kekana.

"We are privileged that we are playing at Sundowns and the target is to always win the league. It is not going to be easy to find a youngster who wins nine or 10 league titles because sometimes youngsters get to two or three league titles and they stop." 

The custodian has played in the PSL for 15 years since joining from St. George of Ethiopia. In South Africa, he has played for Mpumalanga Black Aces, SuperSport, Bidvest Wits, and Sundowns.

He also played for Villa SC in Uganda between 2004-2005.

The legendary goalkeeper quit the Ugandan national team this year after failing to help them qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Former Barcelona and Manchester City star Yaya Toure has been appointed as assistant coach at Russian Premier League outfit FK Akhmat.

The 38-year-old - who began his coaching career at Ukrainian side Olimpik Donetsk – has been handed a one-year deal that will see him at the Akhmat Arena for the 2021-22 campaign.

The four-time African Player of the Year winner is now expected to assist Andrei Talalayev in the dugout.

“Former footballer Yaya Toure has joined the coaching staff of the Thunderbirds. Head coach Andrey Talalaev will determine his duties as an assistant,” a  statement from the club website read.

“The contract with the specialist is calculated until the end of the 2021-22 season.

“Yaya has played for teams such as Beveren, Metalurh Donetsk, Monaco, Olympiacos, Barcelona and Manchester City.

“We welcome Yaya Toure and say to him: 'welcome to Ahmat.'”

A legend with 101 Cote d’Ivoire caps to his credit, spent eight memorable years at City between 2010 and 2018, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup.

He last played for Qingdao Huanghai in the Chinese League One, and he helped them earn promotion to the Super League after winning the Second Division title.

After leaving China, the Ivorian was in transfer talks with Botafogo but he turned down a move to the Brazilian club due to family reasons.

“The coronavirus pandemic has made things difficult in a lot of ways – it was the reason I left Qingdao Huanghai in China at the start of 2020 – but it has given me the opportunity to learn,” Toure had written in  the Coaches' Voice.

“I have taken the chance to start doing my coaching badges and think about the next chapter. I’ve already made good progress in gaining my qualifications.

“But sitting in an office the whole time – that’s not me.

“I want to be out on the grass, interacting with other people, exchanging ideas. I’ve been very lucky that Chris Ramsey has given me the opportunity to do that at QPR.

“I’ve been able to lead coaching sessions with the younger age groups, watch Chris coach and learn from him, as well as lots of other good coaches like Andrew Impey and Paul Hall. Les Ferdinand has been great, giving me the chance to watch these coaches in action. They have pushed me to learn, and have shown me what you need to do differently to be a top coach.

“I’ve also had the chance to go to Blackburn thanks to Stuart Jones, and the PFA – through Geoff Lomax – have given me great opportunities too. I’m learning all the time, and I love it!

“At QPR, after the sessions, I spend time with the players chatting to them. It really is amazing to see how committed they are. They want to achieve as much as I did, and they always want to learn how to be better. It’s amazing to be able to help them, and I’m delighted that I have that chance.”

A memorable season for Africa’s stars have come to an end, and the boys at African Football HQ have put their heads together to pick an African Dream Team for 2020-21.

Competition was fierce for the squad, with many of the continent’s biggest names enjoying standout campaigns and maintaining their own high standards.

Of course, some of the big names didn’t deliver—Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wasn’t even discussed as a candidate for the Team of the Year—but their places have been taken by breakout stars who took their game to new heights since the start of the campaign.

There was consensus over various positions in our eleven-man dream team, with Champions League winner Edouard Mendy the undisputed pick between the sticks.

It could have been a different story had Andre Onana not been suspended for taking a banned substance, but in his absence, the Chelsea stopper was a shoo-in for the Dream Team.

Not only did he win the Champions League, but he also broke several clean sheet records in Europe’s premier club competition along the way.

Elsewhere, Achraf Hakimi—an Italian champion with Internazionale—was an undisputed pick, as was Wilfred Ndidi following his heroics for Leicester City in their FA Cup triumph.

Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Salah both also made the cut in the wide positions of a 3-4-3 formation, with the duo maintaining their high standards throughout the campaign.

Admittedly, it was a tough year for Liverpool, but Salah nonetheless finished just one goal behind Harry Kane in the Golden Boot race, while Mahrez was once again influential as Manchester City won the Premier League title.

Admittedly, the Sky Blues fell short in the Champions League final, but this was the year when Mahrez proved that he truly was a key man for Pep Guardiola’s side, and not merely a decorative talent.

His pair of showings against Ajax in the UCL semi-final will surely ensure that he rivals Mendy and others for the African Footballer of the Year award this term.

Up top, the debate raged as to which African stars should start for our Dream Team.

The likes of Simy Nwankwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Silas, Andre Ayew, Patson Daka, Youssef En-Nesyri and Paul Onuachu were all considered after magnificent campaigns, but only three of them could make our Dream Team…

Check out the latest AFHQ Unplugged vid to see who makes the cut.

Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer has defended the club’s level of debt and dividend payments to the owners and insists it has no impact on transfers. 

The Glazer family have been heavily criticised during their 16 years in charge and one of the reasons is that their leveraged buyout of the club in 2005 landed the club with millions of pounds worth of debt. 

In addition to that, they have continued to pay themselves dividend payments worth over £100 million during their tenure of ownership, but Glazer defended their actions to supporters at a Fans’ Forum meeting last week.

What was said? 

Initially, Glazer, who was attending the meeting for the first time, was asked about why they take their dividend payments. 

“I know this is a subject that a lot of people have a lot of different views on, but when we take things and look at things as a whole, we think that Manchester United is a very well run club,” he said.  “We're able to spend with the top clubs throughout Europe, whether it's wages or transfer fees, we've been able to keep our ticket prices low, we've not increased them in over 10 years.

"We're able to pay a dividend but it's a modest proportion of our five to six hundred million pounds of revenue; it's less than three per cent of that.

“It has never stood in the way of us pursuing players or transfers on the pitch. We may have walked away from transfers at times because the other side wanted an outlandish number. And while it's easy to pay it that one time, it does have consequences.

"You do it once and the next person expects it, and then the next person expects it. And that's not good, ultimately, for the club. So, we think that we're able to accomplish all these things and still have a very, very successful club and invest, and do everything that's necessary for a club of our stature.”

What about the debt? 

The next question from one of the representatives on the forum was about the level of debt and why the money they take out could not be used to pay part of that off. 

“I know this is clearly another area that has got a lot of discussion and debate over the years. We think we have a very comfortable position when it comes to this. We have debt, but a lot of other clubs do have debt as well,” Glazer explained. 

“We pay a very low interest rate, mostly fixed interest debt. So, if interest rates went up it would not affect us, but we had made progress in reducing our debt over the last several years.

"The net debt was meaningfully reduced a couple years ago. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit and we have had to use a lot of our cash reserves because we didn't have any supporters in the stands, we didn't have the matchday revenue, and that has affected us, like it's affected all the clubs throughout Europe. The difference is we've been able to keep investing. We're strong.”

Throughout a lengthy response, the club’s co-chairman also pointed towards the fact they did not furlough anyone and pledged investment in their ‘big plans’ for the training ground and stadium. 

He added: “We're going to keep investing on the pitch, which we did last year, and we plan on doing it meaningfully this year. So, we feel that we're in a good spot. There's always headline numbers [for the debt], and then there's the real costs on an annual basis and, again, it's never affected our ability to operate in the transfer market or do anything else with regard to the club.”

How did the meeting go? 

Glazer attended the meeting for the first time to address fans’ concerns about Manchester United’s involvement in the proposed European Super League and the way the club is being run. 

The American-based owner spent over two hours on the virtual meeting during which time he repeatedly apologised for a previous lack of communication and the ill-fated ESL proposals. A supporters share scheme was also put forward in addition to a fan advisory board to promote better communication. 

Sources told Goal fans felt cautiously optimistic following the meeting and are hopeful the owners will follow through with their pledges. 

Further reading

Netherlands defender of Ghanaian descent Timothy Fosu-Mensah has revealed he keeps tabs on the Black Stars despite turning down an opportunity to play for the side. 

The former Manchester United man was born to Ghanaian parents in Amsterdam, making him eligible to represent both nations. 

In 2017, he rejected a chance to join the Black Stars before going ahead to make his senior debut for Oranje, having played for the Europeans at various youth levels. 

“I have been watching Ghana, especially the 2010 World Cup," Fosu Mensah, who is currently on holiday in Ghana, told Citi Sports. 

“It was the first time Kevin Prince Boateng joined the national team.

“Recently I have seen that unfortunately they lost [1-0] to Morocco, but yeah I have been watching."

Fosu-Mensah, who currently plays for German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, has made three senior appearances for the Netherlands so far. 

“I get emotional when they [Ghana] lose, especially against Uruguay during the 2010 World Cup," he continued. 

“This is because in Amsterdam we lived in a flat with a lot of other Ghanaians.

“When that happened, it was painful but when Ghana was scoring my brother and I would open the door and shout in celebration.

“When you think about it, it is special."

The defender is currently nursing an injury that put him out of contention for a place in the Netherlands squad for the ongoing Euro 2020 Championship.

“We have indeed been called. Ghana want to persuade him to play for them,” a spokesperson of Fosu-Mensah’s Stellar Group agency told news outlet Algemeen Dagblad in 2016, a year before the player’s debut in a World Cup qualifier against France.

After impressing for Ajax at youth level, Fosu-Mensah joined Manchester United in 2016. Owing to limited playing opportunities at Old Trafford, the kind which necessitated loan moves to Crystal Palace and Fulham, the 23-year-old left the Red Devils for Leverkusen in January this year.

He is one of four players of Ghanaian descent currently fully capped by the Netherlands and available to the side, the others being Olympique Lyon attacker Memphis Depay, PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gapko and AZ Alkmaar striker Myron Boadu.

Hugo Lloris says that the recent war of words between Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud has not impacted France's preparations for their upcoming match against Germany.

Seen by many as favourites to win Euro 2020, France has been at the centre of controversy this week due to the feud, with Giroud complaining about the service he has received in what was seen as a dig at Mbappe.

Mbappe has since responded saying that he was "affected" by Giroud's comments, but Lloris believes his team-mates have put the issue behind them.

What was said?

"To be honest with you, it made a lot more noise outside than inside," Lloris said at a press conference ahead of Tuesday's clash with Germany. "Olivier and Kylian had a discussion the day after the game, but there is nothing abnormal.

"There was a small disagreement, but these things happen in a dressing room. But in no way did it affect the team or the team as a whole. It was handled in the right way. It's behind us. Now I want to say let's get on with the game and the competition."

'Important but not decisive'

French boss Didier Deschamps highlighted the importance of Tuesday's match, which features two of the tournament's heavyweights facing off to open group play.

Germany and France are also grouped with another contender in Portugal as well as Hungary, a team that is seemingly overmatched by its three superior group-mates.

Given the slightly forgiving format to qualify for the next round, three points may be good enough to move on, with Deschamps saying this opening game won't define France's tournament either way.

"In 2018 [at the World Cup], we did not start at our best," he said. "I can't consider that a mistake. I usually say that the first match is important but not decisive. We still have two games to go.

"The quality of the opponent makes it a great match. It's a great match for us, but also for the Germans. We are one of the best European nations. The objective is to seek efficiency in both areas. That's where it's going to come down to."

Further reading

Asante Kotoko have made it two wins on the bounce in the Ghana Premier League following a 3-2 away victory over Inter Allies on Monday.

Alex Aso and Andy Okpe netted for the hosts but replies from Emmanuel Gyamfi, Evans Adomako and Andrews Appau sealed three points for the Porcupine Warriors in the matchday 29 tie in Dawu.

The triumph has sent the Kumasi-based side level on points with archrivals Hearts of Oak but the former team sits second on the league table due to an inferior goal difference.

Allies, on the other hand, saw their relegation woes compounded as they sit bottom of the log.

Kotoko’s Monday win follows an earlier 1-0 triumph over Ashanti Gold. With Hearts having beaten Medeama 2-0 on Sunday to move three points clear at the top of the table, the Porcupine Warriors were under pressure to beat Allies.

Coach Mariano Barreto made two changes to his starting line-up, restoring Razak Abalora to the No.1 spot upon his return from international duty.

Centre-back Ismael Abdul Ganiyu, who was also on international duty with the Black Stars for their friendly games against Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire, was named in the first XI.

In dire need of a win, Allies kept faith with the likes of Paul Abanga, Aso, and Igw for goals.

Kotoko broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Gyamfi backheeled a ball into the net, recycling a wayward Adomako header after Patrick Asmah sent a cross into the box.

Twelve minutes later, Allies hit back as Aso capitalised on loose marking inside the Kotoko goal area to drive a low strike beyond Abalora.

Adomako restored Kotoko’s lead in the 40th minute, five minutes before Abalora saved his side from conceding, palming away after Richmond Lamptey attempted to dink the ball over in a one-on-one situation.

The goalkeeper could do little when the hosts came knocking again after the break, Okpe rising high to head home a corner.

The Porcupine Warriors refused to give up hope of winning the game and were rewarded with a goal for their efforts as Appau headed past Allies goalkeeper Rashid Seidu. This time around, the Eleven-Is-To-One could not find a way back into the game.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Kermit Erasmus is drawing inspiration from his previous experience in France to rejuvenate himself from a difficult season at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 30-year-old signed for Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais in January 2016 but was sent to the reserve side when struggling for first-team opportunities upon his arrival.

He, however, picked himself up during a loan stint at then Ligue 2 side RC Lens before brief spells in Sweden and Portugal. 

But after coming back home to sign for Cape Town City, Erasmus was back to his best form which attracted Sundowns and a return to the Bafana Bafana fold. 

Limited game time owing to injuries, however, marked his debut season at Sundowns and the striker is drawing positives from the difficult campaign. 

“I was in France and spent two years not playing after I signed from Orlando Pirates. I have the self-belief that is one of the things that I took out from my difficult period,” said Eramus as per Phakaaathi. 

“If you are going to bank on anybody, you have to bank on yourself, no one is going to do anything for you but yourself. If you believe in yourself there is nothing you can’t do.” 

Erasmus made 17 Premier Soccer League appearances, scoring three goals and making five assists.  

He then played six Champions League matches and found the back of the net thrice while featuring three times in the Nedbank Cup and once in the MTN8. 

“You can’t deny quality because if someone has the quality to produce the goods, the only thing that can stop you is injury,” Erasmus said. 

“Consistency, playing regularly and being injury-free will make a difference and that is something I want to focus on in the new season. If you see me injury-free, there is very little I can’t do.” 

While Erasmus battled against fitness issues, his attacking partner Peter Shalulile went on to end the season with 15 league goals and was crowned the PSL Player of the Season as well as Players’ Player of the Season.